Does Public Policy Obey Data, Information and Maps?

Abstract

The link between science (maps and data) and policy is complex and variable: rarely strong and direct; sometimes discernible and positive; often hard to discern or sadly missing. Other things matter as well in political decisions. • Australia has enviable capacities in land use science, as this volume shows, and although the application of this science may disappoint, our situation would be far worse without this excellent knowledge base. • Lack of continuity of data and initiatives is a major issue for rational and sustainable land use decision making. • A better understanding of science by policy makers, and of the realities of policy and politics by scientists, could improve the situation.